Etsy Has Chosen The First Ever Texture Of The Year In 2026 - Here's How To Style It

Hooray for trends that actually match what we need! If 2026 is anything like its predecessor, all things comforting and calming will be welcome in our lives and our spaces in the upcoming year, too. Adding texture to your home decor appeals to several of our senses, and when it's a classic one like Etsy's 2026 Texture of the Year, washed linen, its millennia of familiarity serves as a reminder that some materials truly stand the test of time. The touchable, charmingly imperfect fabric somehow manages to be luxurious or rustic, depending on how it's used. And beyond its appearance, its durability and soft, natural feel help imbue each room with a soothing vibe.

The specific focus on washed linen hones in on the way this fabric's texture improves over time. Softened through repeated washing and known for its lived-in, gently wrinkled look, this texture invites you to snuggle in and enjoy the feel without worrying about rumpling it. While this wasn't overtly mentioned, one of the clinchers for making washed linen Etsy's winning texture for 2026 may be its alignment with predicted environmentally friendly trends for the year. After all, linen is made from flax, a plant that doesn't require much water or pesticides to grow.

It's hard to find a room that washed linen won't enhance. In solids or patterns, this versatile material works for curtains, bedding, upholstery, tablecloths, and towels and is guaranteed to bring eco-conscious design into your home. Your immediate mental picture of washed linen may be in an off-white or ecru color. However, this natural material comes in many colors, from pale tones to deep ones, as well as basic stripes and busy, bold patterns.

Linen isn't a cheap material, but don't let that sway you from jumping on the linen bandwagon. First, keep in mind that your purchase should give you years of use and won't need to be replaced as often as items made from lower-quality fabric. There are economical sources of 100% linen, as well as slightly less expensive blends. For instance, Ikea's budget-friendly linen sheets won't put too huge a dent in your bank account. Additionally, small touches like throw pillows, napkins, or hand towels are another way to make a relatively minor investment in the trend. And if the price of 100% linen is still too high, blends are a smart option. Not only do they cost less in general, but they can be even stronger and easier to clean than pure linen.